Finger-wearable oral hygiene device and method of using

Abstract

Disclosed are finger-wearable oral hygiene devices having a tapered shape with a plurality of extensions extending from the outer surface of the body, with the plurality of extensions extending around at least most of the circumference of the body member, the extensions being longer near the distal end of the device and shorter near the proximal end of the device, or the extensions arranged in a staggered pattern along the length of the tubular body, or having combination of these features. The device allows gums and teeth to be massaged or cleaned more efficiently and thoroughly, and can also provide greater comfort to a subject during an oral hygiene process.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A finger-wearable oral hygiene device comprising:
 a proximal section, a central section, a distal section, and a central axis; 
 a body member having proximal and distal ends, a body member length between the proximal and distal ends, and a circumference; 
 wherein the proximal end has an opening for insertion of a finger, and the distal end is closed and has a curved or rounded shape, and the device is designed to cover the distal phalange of a finger, at least a portion of the medial phalange, and optionally a portion of the proximal phalange; 
 a wall defining the body member providing outer and inner surfaces; 
 a plurality of extensions extending from the outer surface of the body member, wherein 
 the plurality of extensions extending around at least most of the circumference of the body member, 
 the plurality of extensions comprising an extension pattern defined by a plurality of columns of extensions, each column following a linear path of that extends in a proximal to distal direction parallel to the central axis and a portion of the length of the device, and 
 an overall device length as defined by the distance from a tip of the extensions at the distal end of the device, and the proximal end, 
 wherein, as measured along the central axis, the proximal section extends a length in the range of 30-40% of the overall device length, the central section extends a length in the range of 40-54% of the overall device length, and the distal section extends a length in the range of 15-25% of the overall device length; 
 wherein the plurality of columns of extensions extends a full length of at least of the central section; and 
 wherein the wall defining the body member providing outer and inner surfaces in the central section, when viewed as a cross section of the device in a plane intersecting the central axis, is linear. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the wall of the body member has a thickness is the range of about 0.60 mm to about 0.90 mm, or in the range of about 0.70 mm to about 0.76 mm, wherein the device is configured so the inner surface of the wall of the body member is in direct contact with a user's finger. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the wall of the body member has a thickness that is the same over the entire body member. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body member length is at least about 40 mm, in the range of about 40 mm about 60 mm, or in the range of about 45 mm to about 55 mm. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1  wherein the overall device length of the device is about 5-12.5% longer than the body member length. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1  comprising a rim at the proximal end of the body member, the rim comprising an outer facing surface that when viewed as a cross section of the device in a plane intersecting the central axis, the outer facing surface is linear along most of its length. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the extensions have lengths in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 3.5 mm, about 0.125 mm to about 3.25 mm, or about 0.15 mm to about 3.0 mm. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the extensions extend around more than 95% of the circumference. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the extensions have a circular shape at bases and tips of the extensions. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , having about 400 or greater, or about 500 or greater extensions. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body member has an outer surface area of at least about 2000 mm 2 . 
     
     
       12. A method for providing oral hygiene to a subject, comprising introducing the device of  claim 1  into the oral cavity of a subject and contacting gums or teeth of the subject with at least a portion of the device having extensions, optionally wherein the method comprises contacting gums or teeth of the subject with a first portion of the device having extensions, and then with a second portion of the device having extensions, wherein the first portion and second portion are on opposite sides of the device, optionally wherein the subject is a child or a pet. 
     
     
       13. A method for providing oral hygiene to a subject, comprising introducing the device of  claim 1  into the oral cavity of a subject and contacting gums or teeth of the subject with at least a portion of the extensions. 
     
     
       14. A method for providing oral hygiene to a subject according to  claim 13 , comprising contacting gums or teeth of the subject with a first portion of the device having extensions, and then with a second portion of the device having extensions, wherein the first portion and second portion are on opposite sides of the device. 
     
     
       15. A kit for providing oral hygiene to a subject, comprising the device of  claim 1  and an oral treatment composition.